Young people push through anger to fight for hope at COP29

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🗞️ Driving the news: Young climate activists at COP29 are pushing through disillusionment and fatigue to fight for a hopeful future, despite dwindling political will among world leaders
• Many have faced direct impacts of climate change, from losing homes to grappling with existential threats like sea level rise
• Yet, they remain determined to advocate for urgent action and meaningful involvement in decision-making processes

🔭 The context: Youth voices are often marginalized at COP, with limited access to key decision-making spaces
• Despite the challenges, institutional efforts, like those from the UN, are attempting to formalize youth participation
• Meanwhile, climate change continues to disproportionately affect children globally, exacerbating health and socioeconomic inequalities

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The young generation bears the brunt of climate impacts yet has the most at stake in achieving a sustainable future
• Their persistent advocacy underscores the need for inclusive climate governance that incorporates diverse voices
• Bridging this gap can strengthen global climate action and ensure policies reflect the urgency demanded by those most affected

⏭️ What's next: As COP29 continues, youth activists aim to shift from being heard to influencing tangible outcomes
• Institutionalizing youth involvement and providing platforms for meaningful advocacy will remain critical beyond this summit
• Activists also call for stronger adult support to amplify their efforts in addressing the climate crisis

💬 One quote: “It’s our rights. It’s our future. It’s our present” – Francisco Vera Manzanares, 15-year-old activist from Colombia

📈 One stat: Earth’s projected warming trajectory has not improved for the third consecutive year, highlighting the slow pace of global climate progress

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